The former minister for the North East Nick Brown has called on ministers to drop proposals which could open the way to local and regional pay settlements for public sector workers.

Speaking in the ongoing budget debate in the Commons, Mr Brown said their introduction would lead to unwelcome and unintended consequences. He also said it was a myth to suggest that higher public pay rates were crowding out the private sector locally.

Warrenby household waste centre near Redcar will close on 15th April 2012 as part of a number of efficiency savings proposed by Redcar and Cleveland Council.

From Monday 16th April residents can still take their waste and recycling to the Dunsdale site which is centrally located within the borough and with access from the B1269 Yearby to Guisborough Road.

The Council is facing unprecedented financial challenges following central government cutbacks imposed on local authorities and difficult decisions need to be made to balance the books. The closure of the Warrenby site will save the Council in the region of £250,000 per year and provide the opportunity to focus resources on the Dunsdale site to ensure we continue to meet the needs of our residents.

– Councillor George Dunning, Leader Redcar & Cleveland Council

The Dunsdale site will extend its opening hours as a result of the Warrenby closure.

It is one of the biggest days in the political calendar. Since early morning broadcasters have been lined up opposite the Palace of Westminster. Speculation for now, hard analysis after George Osborne sits down, around 13:30